Water Polo Victoria State Team Coaches - 2025

Water Polo Victoria is proud to announce our Head Coaches appointed for our 13&U 15&U and 17&U State Programs. These selections were made based on EOI's received, and in consultation with the WPV selection committee.

Congratulations to all of our head coaches, and we look forward to another great year for our state squads. It is really encouraging to see coaches across many of our Water Polo clubs involved in the program this year. Assistant Coaches will also be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Our State Team trials for our 15&U and 17&U will commence on May 3rd and 4th, whilst our 13&U cohort will also have its first week of training and assessment on Saturday the 3rd. If athletes still want to be considered and have yet to complete the EOI, you can do so here: https://forms.office.com/r/cNGLCXSxb3

WPV are also seeking EOI's from the community for State team selectors, please complete this EOI if you are interested: https://forms.office.com/r/SMET3HHtub

Head Coaches

U13s Girls (2 teams)

Mel Di Donato

Dani Cale (Regional Support Coach)

Assistant Coaches TBC

U13 Boys (2 teams)

Jamie Osland

James Makeham (Regional Support Coach)

Assistant Coaches TBC

Mel is excited to once again coach our U13 Girls team heading to Hobart, after doing so in 2024 and 2023. Mel has extensive experience coaching athletes within this age group and is passionate about developing our young talent on the beginning of the pathway. Dani is a passionate and experienced Water Polo coach and will take a lead in coaching and supporting our 13&U Girls on the border. Dani was awarded WPA's Water Polo Coach of the Year in 2024, and is a great addition to the team.

Jamie is an experienced sport coach and has been heavily involved in coaching at DVE for many years. Jamie has been the head coach of our 15&U Boys State team and is looking forward to working with the squad moving toward Hobart. James has been involved in Water Polo for over 40 years as a player, coach and referee. He is the current coach of the WPV regional Academy, as well as the U14 O&M Boys team. James will support 13&U participants on the border along with Danielle.

Water Polo Victoria will be taking two boys' teams and two girls' teams to Hobart for the National Development Carnival. The final make-up of our coaching team will be determined by the confirmed make-up of our squads in mid-May.

We also encourage our 13&U athletes to consider joining the WPV Development program in Term 2, this will provide extra training and fitness in the lead up to the tournament in July. Development will not be running in Term 3 or Term 4 of 2025, so Term 2 is the last chance to participate: https://forms.office.com/r/400j5PKhUe

15&U Girls

Jemma Potts

Assistant coach TBC

15&U Boys

Matthew Lea

Assistant coach TBC

Jemma is one of Victorias brightest playing talents, as well as being a strong Water Polo coach. She has a lot of experience and knowledge to pass onto our 15&U state team girls, and we look forward to her leading our team in 2025 along with a strong assistant coach. Matt has 30+ years of experience within the sport of Water Polo and led our 15&U Boys state team in 2024, and we saw great results and development. One of our East Coast Challenge boys' teams finished in second place, falling just short against NSW in the final. Matt is looking forward to once again working with our young talented athletes in the 15&U squad.

Our 15&U coaches will be taking extended squads for the first 2.5 months, allowing for 2x Victorian teams to play in the East Coast Challenge (11-13 July). Final teams for the NSC's will be selected in late July.

The WPV Academy is also an option for our 15&U participants to continue their growth and fitness. https://forms.office.com/r/400j5PKhUe

17&U Girls

Karly Flahive

Assistant Coach TBC

17&U Boys

Rowan Bennett

Assistant Coach TBC

Karly is an experienced player and coach who has been a part of top teams in the past. Karly has been involved with our 17&U Girls teams as an assistant coach, and was also a team manager with the Phoenix in 2025. Rowan was the coach of the 17&U Boys State team in 2024, having a strong showing at the NSC's on the Gold Coast. He is also assistant coach of the Victorian Phoenix AWL Men's Team. He is looking forward to working with the next generation of athletes and ensuring they have the skills necessary to succeed in and out of the pool.

Our 17&U coaches will be taking extended squads for the first 2.5 months, allowing for growth and development of a larger squads of athletes. Final teams for the NSC's will be decided in late July, following the Interstate Challenge in Canberra.

The WPV Academy is also an option for our 17&U participants. https://forms.office.com/r/400j5PKhUe

Water Polo Victoria are currently talking to a number of coaches about the vacant assistant coach roles and will announce these positions once they are filled.

Congratulations again, and we look forward to seeing all our prospective state squad athletes on May 3rd and 4th!

WPV Team